HUNTING GROUNDS OF FLORIDA. 87 
Along the beach between Indian River and the ocean is a par- 
ticularly fine hunting ground for bears. They are common in 
many localities, but trained dogs are required to hunt them suc- 
cessfully. 
A few deer also occur in that country, but for deer it would be 
better to go into the interior, and one can nearly always get a guide 
at any of the smaller towns. Ten miles from the north fork of the 
St. Lucie River was at one time a particularly noted hunting 
ground, and during my first visit to that locality game was very 
plenty. It was at St. Lucie in 1885 that I had my first experience 
with what is known in Florida as a shooting match, where the prize 
WILD DUCKS. 
is a bull or cow, which is rounded up and driven in from the ‘* bush ” 
for the occasion. ‘‘ Alligator” Jim Russell was a particularly 
noted character at this time, and was also considered a very good 
shot. He and the Payne boys and two or three others, whose 
names I have unfortunately forgotten, took part in this contest. 
Each contestant paid a dollar to the owner of the animal and was 
allowed five chances. The target was a piece of bark fastened to 
a tree, about one hundred yards distant. 
We first competed for choice of the ‘*hind quarters,” each man 
shooting once and the one hitting nearest the center of the bull’s 
eye being adjudged the winner. We then tried again for the re- 
maining hind quarter, and again for the choice of the fore quarters, 
